How to Grow Pansy
Get Your Exact Pansy Planting Dates
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Supplies You'll Need
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Plant Overview
Growing Requirements
Sun
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water
Moderate (1 inch/week)
Spacing
8" apart
Depth
0.125" deep
Height
6-10"
Germination
10-21 days
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Good Companions
Full Companion Planting Guide for Pansy
See which plants help Pansy thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →
Seed Saving Guide
ModerateWhen to Harvest Seed
Allow seed pods to form after petals drop. Harvest when pods turn tan and before they burst open.
Processing
Collect pods carefully, place in a bag to catch seeds as they eject, dry 1 week.
Seed Viability
Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.
Pro Tip
Most garden pansies are F1 hybrids and won't grow true. Viola cornuta and V. tricolor are good OP alternatives.
Seed Storage Supplies
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Raised Bed Planting Guides
A 4×8 bed fits 72 plants of Pansy. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →
Pansy Planting Calendar by Zone
Pansy Planting Calendar by State
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pansy? +
Start Pansy seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 2 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.
How long does Pansy take to grow? +
Pansy typically blooms in about 50 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.
Should I start Pansy indoors or direct sow? +
Pansy should be started indoors 8 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.
How much sun does Pansy need? +
Pansy requires full sun to partial shade to thrive.
How far apart should I plant Pansy? +
Space Pansy plants 8 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.
How much water does Pansy need? +
Pansy has moderate (1 inch/week) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.
Can you save seeds from Pansy? +
Yes — seed saving difficulty for Pansy is rated moderate. Allow seed pods to form after petals drop. Harvest when pods turn tan and before they burst open. Collect pods carefully, place in a bag to catch seeds as they eject, dry 1 week.
How long do Pansy seeds last in storage? +
Properly dried and stored Pansy seeds remain viable for up to 2 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.
Are Pansy seeds open-pollinated? +
Many commonly sold Pansy varieties are F1 hybrids, meaning seeds saved from them will not grow true to the parent plant. For reliable seed saving, look specifically for open-pollinated or heirloom varieties.
About Pansy
Cheerful cold-hardy annual with distinctive face-like blooms. Edible flowers with mild, slightly sweet flavor. Perfect for early spring color.
Expect your Pansy to be ready for harvest in approximately 50 days from planting.
Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.